Heinz Style English Baked Beans (Veganized)

1 lb navy beans
1/4 teaspoon baking soda (bicarb of soda)
1 tablespoons veg oil
1/2 large onion, diced
1 tsp dried thyme or sage (or both)
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large can (approx 3 cups) crushed tomatoes
1 clove
3 tablespoons molasses
1/4 cup sugar, or to taste
Salt to taste


-Soak the beans in cold water overnight.

-The next day wash and drain them, then cover with cold water, add the baking soda, and cook them for about 1 to 1 1/2 hour on a medium heat till they are tender, and just beginning to split. Drain and keep aside.

-In a big, heavy pot heat the oil and toss the onion in it. Sauté for about 5 - 10 minutes on a medium heat and then add the chopped herbs and the garlic. Stir and cook for another minute or two, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomatoes, breaking them up a bit.

-Add Molassass, cloves, sugar and salt. Stir and simmer for about 20 - 30 minutes. Let cool completely.

-When cool, puree well in a blender till it turns to a smooth sauce. Return to the pan, taste and readjust seasoning.

-Add the beans to the sauce mixture and cook on a low heat for at least 30 - 45 minutes, or more, until the beans are very soft. The beans taste better the next day when they have had a chance to absorb the flavours better, but they're not bad on the day either.

based on: http://www.thetiffinbox.ca/2010/05/english-baked-beans-heinz-style.html